Getting Your Baby to Sleep Through the Night

Updated: August 18, 2010

Hi, I’m Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Are you a tired new parent? Then chances are you’re pretty eager to have your baby give up those middle-of-the-night feedings, so that he can start sleeping through the night — and you can, too.

The good news is that by 4 months, most babies don’t need the nighttime feedings that keep you both up. With bigger tummies and longer staying power, they’re able to go all night without a feed.

But even before that happy day dawns, you can start taking baby steps toward that “sleeping through the night” goal. Here’s how:

First, make sure your baby is getting enough to eat during those daytime feedings, especially the ones in the late afternoon. A well-fed baby is more likely to sleep through the night.

Time for bed? Start with a bedtime routine. Not only will your little one find the routine comforting, but it will become his signal that it’s time for a good night’s sleep. Hopefully, a long good night’s sleep!

Begin with a nice, relaxing bath, then follow up with a quiet story, a cuddle, a lullaby. And since a full tummy can help your baby sleep longer, finish up that bedtime routine with a full feeding.

You may also want to top off baby’s belly with one more feeding before you turn in for the night. That late-night snack for baby may buy you a few extra hours sleep for you.

But what if your little one wakes up in the middle of the night? While it may be hard to hold yourself back, don’t rush to feed him. Instead, wait a few minutes before you offer the breast or bottle. He may surprise you and doze off again. Or you may be able to soothe him with a song or gentle rubbing.

If baby insists on having that midnight snack, keep it short and sweet. Little by little, decrease the time baby spends on the breast or bottle during the night. Pretty soon, you may find he’s ready to give up those feedings altogether. So both of you can get some more sleep.

And here’s another better sleep secret: Don’t bother with middle-of-the-night diaper changes unless you’ve got a major poop blow-out or a diaper that’s super sopping. Keep the lights low, whisper, and resist the urge to play. The less time your sleepy-head is awake at 2 a.m., the better for both of you!

I’m Heidi Murkoff and that’s what to expect. For this and other baby and toddler information, visit What to Expect.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect the First Year. Health information on this site is based on peer-reviewed medical journals and highly respected health organizations and institutions including ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists), CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), as well as the What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff.